COMMENTS MADE

• On The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company:

  Posted on 21st of August 2006

  Although I met Andy some time ago, through the farmers' markets, we've not been in touch for a while, until recently, at Stonyhurst Fine Food Festival. I had been demonstrating, and was leaving the demo area when Andy collared me to brainstorm ideas for his charity event on 17th Sept. I was concerned about moving my kit from the kitchen, and Andy volunteered his lovely son to move the heavy boxes full of kitchen gear for me. These are charming people, passionate about their product, and caring about their community. I wish you all the best, 'Go Andy!'

• On Philippas Fine Foods:

  Posted on 19th of August 2006

  For the few in the UK who haven’t heard the story… ‘Philippa’s …fine foods’ started as a hobby to get my husband out! My husband, Kevin, was very poorly; he spent 2 months in hospital, and was on the hospital trolley for theatre when staff decided not to amputate his leg. He returned home for 6 months bed-rest, and then slowly recuperated enough to start making small trips out, using a wheelchair. After Kevin’s Mum died, we sold her bits and bobs at a car-boot sale, I took a few home made cakes to boost the takings; a farmer’s wife bought some cake, and said it was the best she’d had since her Mum’s, and she asked if I did the farmers’ markets, which I didn’t! Some time later, we started to do one farmers’ market a month, then two, now three. Last year I started to do cookery demonstrations at fine food shows, and I identified a need for a Cookery School in the Lancashire area; this has just opened, after a series of technical hitches! I have just received 2 x silver, and 1 x bronze in The Great Taste Awards 2006! BBC Radio Lancashire have recently asked me to provide recipes for their new Supper Club, which has given me another opportunity to shout about getting back to home cooking, and involving kids in the kitchen! I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support, and encouragement; many people know how hard the last few years have been, and I couldn’t have done any of this without the help that I have received. 'Made in Lancashire', for absolutely all they have done for me, local demo' chefs and producers,who have become firm friends, customers helping to lug boxes of cakes, soups etc, from the car, the hugs from fellow producers (And customers!)on the bad days, the laughter on the good days, (And there has been plenty of this, usually at me!) I am totally passionate about food, and particularly this wonderful region that we are plonked in! Many of those nominated deserve to be uktv Local Food Heroes; the work that many of the producers put in, and the hours and dedication to their craft is something which most customers never see, and it is this which provides us with such a cornucopia of fabulous North West produce! Good luck, everybody! Have a look at the hilarious comments about me, and remember, voting closes on the 21st August! Every vote counts! {Thank you!} Philippa :0)